Low-level hardware diagnostics

I have never gone there. I tend to think a post card might be useful. There are many free utilities available.

I tend to think this stuff is useful for diagnosing dead pc's - and sure enough it's still dead. But it is possible I just have an attitude also - nahhh, who me?

Basically, I think it's a waste. Know the low level basics - from a good book. Most pc tek stuff is not going to improve with this - and you will not be the beneficiary of the investment.

Anyway - it's all my opinion.

Look up author named "Bigelow" - book about 3" thick - forget the title - it's the best of books with similar titles like "everything pc repairs tshoots hardware" etc etc. Most of the others similar titles, are lacking in real world experience and depth. This is about the low level basics. Todays pc's are still same as a 286 - with a few addons. Yes, I know there's more to it.

If the PC is not even bootable, a PORT80 card will help you pin point the faulty hardware faster. The actual solving will still need to come from experience in determining which part is faulty/incompatible and preventing the PC from booting.

If the PC is bootable, Ultimate Boot CD as mentioned by Zenthar is what I normally use. I also use WinPE & BartPE bootable from USB to load a couple of other utilities I use.